Publications

Whitman College is proud to announce its role as a contributing co-host of the inaugural Washington Higher Education Sustainability Conference. The conference will be hosted by Western Washington University on Feb. 6 and 7. It is a collaborative effort by higher education institutions statewide to examine the issue of sustainability. Whitman is currently the only co-sponsor from this side of the Cascades.

The WAHESC program will explore ways to enhance sustainability at institutions of higher education, ways to build leadership capacity and the role of colleges and universities in driving advancement on environmental issues and building sustainable communities in the Pacific Northwest. Whitman will be represented in a panel discussion on divestment by junior Collin Smith ‘15. The conference will include a mix of keynote addresses, panels, experiential “lab” sessions and workshops.

Flu season tips

By Claudia Ness, Director of the Welty Student Health Center

It’s winter time again, and with that comes the flu bug! Influenza is spread through air droplets from an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. The virus may be transmitted from surfaces such as door knobs, faucets and counters.

We at the Welty Student Health Center encourage you to protect yourself and those around you. A few simple measures can help you resist the virus, making Whitman College a healthier environment.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Faculty news briefs - Jan. 21

Associate Professor of History John Cotts recently received an Outstanding Academic Title from Choice, the magazine of the American Library Association, for his second book. This annual award honors original, well-written publications that are highly relevant within their respective fields and valuable to undergraduate students. His book, “Europe’s Long Twelfth Century,” was described as a necessary addition to every undergraduate medieval history reading list.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Art Joe Page recently opened a solo exhibition of his work at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Ore. His exhibition, “Flow Chart: Diffusion,” will run until Friday, Jan. 31.

Whitman Wellness

Contributed by Fitness Facilities Director Michele K. Hanford

Strength Training and Diabetes

Here is yet another great reason why stimulating muscle and bone cells will continue to keep you in good stead!

As stated in “Care2,” the healthy living website, new research has found that there are some types of exercise that might lower your diabetes risk. Doctors have known for some time that there is a correlation between diabetes and exercise, but until recently, it was thought to be aerobic workouts like jogging that lowered your risk.

But a recent study of almost 100,000 women found a new link: Women who did muscle-strengthening and conditioning workouts – hitting the weight room – lowered their diabetes risk by 14 percent for every 60 minutes of exercise per week. For those who worked out for more than 150 minutes a week, their diabetes risk was lowered by 40 percent.

Bench press not your thing? The study found that, surprisingly, lighter forms of exercise like yoga also contributed. Researchers speculated it may be because those forms of exercise prevent the loss of lean muscle mass or affect the body’s use of glucose.

But don’t give up your morning jog just yet! It seems the magic formula is a combination of aerobic exercise and strengthening workouts.

As part of the kick-off of Whitman Teaches The Movement, we are honored to be able to learn from Dr. Kate Shuster, one of the country's leading researchers and innovators on matters of K-12 education reform.